Exploring the Real Alcázar in Sevilla, Spain
5-6 hours on a high speed “AVE” train in Spain can get you from Barcelona to Sevilla, the capital of the Andalucia region in the south of Spain. And there stands the “Real” (Royal) Alcázar of Sevilla (“Seville” in English), an old Royal Palace built in the 1300s with Moorish influence.
Exploring the Real Alcázar was a highlight of my trip, and definitely one of the best things to do in Sevilla!
Just walking up to the place is unreal. It is completely massive, with walls so high that you can only catch bits of the roof from certain angles. Since it was originally a Moorish fort, it is completely confined within these high walls.
We went on a Sunday afternoon, so it wasn’t crowded at all. After buying our tickets (we were under 25 so it was only €2!) and stepping through the threshold to go inside, it felt like we were in a completely different world.
This palace is absolutely incredible. If heaven looks like this place, I definitely won’t complain.
You could spend an entire day wandering around its halls, rooms, green courtyards and open spaces, running fountains, large arches with fine tile work, and garden mazes.
There are several things to notice when you’re inside. The ornate tile work on the floors, walls, and ceilings is definitely something that stands out. The time and effort that took to handcraft the thousands of tiles is incredible, and the intricate designs are stunning.
The Gardens
My personal favorite part of the Alcázar was the gardens, specifically the Jardin Inglés (English gardens). They were lush, beautiful, and quiet. It had various small pools and fountains and even peacocks wandering around! In retrospect, I wish we would’ve packed a lunch and relaxed in the tranquil gardens all day.
This palace was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. And upon entering you can see why. The Alcázar of Sevilla is one of the city’s main tourist attractions, and with good reason. The Moorish, Christian, AND Jewish influences make this place truly unique. The whole palace is just a genuine wonder. It’s full of history, grandeur, intricate architectural and decorative detail in every corner, nook, and cranny.
Besides the areas highlighted above, there were also amazing tapestry rooms, courtyards, patios, relic displays, and special exhibits. We even got to see one featuring Spanish tiles! So cool.
It was one of the cheapest attractions we did throughout our whole trip, and definitely one of the best things to do in Sevilla! They even offer night tours, where the gardens are lit up and probably look even MORE magical. Although I toured during the day and loved it, the nighttime tour may be good for people visiting in the middle of summer who want to be a little cooler. When we went, it was SO HOT (but SO GREAT).
Check out some more photos of this amazing place below! And check out the Real Alcázar’s official website for more details!
Sara
February 3, 2015 @ 4:51 pm
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Abby Blanton
February 3, 2015 @ 7:20 pm
The architecture is insane – beautiful pictures!! I bet the night tours are gorgeous, too.
Sara Granados
February 4, 2015 @ 1:47 pm
I know! I don’t think they offered Night Tours back when I went but that sounds amazing! I would love to stroll through the gardens at night!
Chester
February 4, 2015 @ 12:57 am
Being a colony of Spain for 300 years, I am so inclined to Spanish lifestyle, architecture, and all. AND HERE I SEE BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE I HAVE TO STOP SPAZZING BUT I CAN’T. Beautiful photos. =)
Sara Granados
February 4, 2015 @ 1:47 pm
I know, right?! I was absolutely mesmerized by all the amazing architectural detail! Thanks so much 🙂
Sara
February 4, 2015 @ 3:50 am
Beautiful photos of the Alcazar! You really captured those brilliant colors so well. I visited two years ago and really enjoyed it. Between Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla, Sevilla is my favorite!
Sara Granados
February 4, 2015 @ 1:48 pm
I’ve never been to Madrid, but I have been to both Barcelona and Sevilla and think overall I like Sevilla better! Barcelona is amazing, don’t get me wrong, but Sevilla just had more of that Spanish charm 🙂 I would love to go back!
Jordan Beck Wagner
February 4, 2015 @ 4:09 am
I’ve heard such great things about Seville but haven’t been there yet! I definitely need to add it to my list! xo
Sara Granados
February 4, 2015 @ 1:49 pm
ah yes, the ever-growing list we all have! I would definitely suggest adding it! Its beautiful 🙂
Jessi @2feet1world
February 5, 2015 @ 2:54 pm
Stunning photographs – it looks absolutely beautiful. I’ve only visited Barcelona in Spain… I’m now plotting a longer trip to come here!
Sara @ Sara Says
February 24, 2015 @ 2:26 pm
I absolutely recommend it! I loved Barcelona, but when I got to Sevilla after it completely blew Barcelona out of the water for me! I loved it!
Yvonne
February 9, 2015 @ 9:09 pm
Sevilla looks so gorgeous! And that place looks amazing to visit! Whenever I visit Sevilla and I hope that soon, I’ll have to go there! And your photos are so beautiful, so colorful.
Sara @ Sara Says
February 24, 2015 @ 2:26 pm
thanks so much, Yvonne! But I give 100% credit not to my photography skills, but to the beautiful subject. This place is GORGEOUS, so it would be hard to get a bad picture of it!